Parenting often feels like navigating an uncharted territory—filled with sleepless nights, endless decisions, and a constant balancing act between career aspirations and raising a family. But for 2 days in Lagos, Nigeria, The Baby Convention 2024 turned that challenge into an inspiring, shared experience for parents and caregivers.
Held at La Madison Event Center in Lekki, this year’s convention embraced the theme “Work-Life Balance for Mums: Myths, Magic, or Must-Have?” With a schedule packed with expert-led sessions, hands-on activities, and heartfelt discussions, it sure was a lifeline for those finding their way around parenthood.
The convention kicked off in an unexpected way—with karaoke. Dr. Ayodele Renner, a renowned pediatrician and the event’s host, had parents belting out tunes and laughing away the stress of their daily lives. This warm opening set the tone for a weekend of friendship and learning.
Dr. Renner’s keynote, a masterclass on “building a village to raise a child,” laid the foundation for the convention’s mission: parenting doesn’t have to be a solo effort. “No manual exists for this job, but having a community makes all the difference,” he reminded the audience.
The weekend offered a wealth of sessions tailored to real-life parenting struggles. Dr. Cole Adeife demystified baby skincare routines, while lifestyle expert Sisi Yemmie shared practical tips for feeding picky toddlers. Fathers found their voice too, with “Fatherhood 101,” a panel featuring actors Stan Nze, Adekanla Desalu, and Aproko Doctor (Dr. Chinonso Egemba), who shared their personal parenting journeys and how they ensure that they take out time from their busy schedules to bond with their toddlers and kids.
One of the event’s highlights was “Postpartum Stress,” where industry influencers like Queen Murielle, Fab Mum NG and Ify Mogekwu discussed how childcare can empower women to pursue their career goals without guilt. Specifically, Queen Murielle led the mothers present through a heartwarming confession that reminded Mothers that being a Mom is not all there is to their identity.
There was also the Autism Panel session that was quite enlightening, helping the audience understand that Autism and Down syndrome aren’t the same conditions. So, while Down syndrome impacts the physical appearance and qualities of a child, Autism doesn’t. In essence, you can’t exactly identify an autistic individual based on their physical look and appearance.
Amidst the serious topics, the convention found plenty of ways to inject fun. From musical chairs to shopping with vendors showcasing innovative parenting tools and adorable baby accessories, the event offered something for everyone. Parents got a chance to discover products that promised to make growing their kids easier.
More than just an event, The Baby Convention 2024 became a space where parents could feel seen, heard, and supported. As one attendee put it, “I’ve never felt more equipped to handle parenting. It’s a relief to know I’m not alone.”
With the resounding success of this year’s convention, it’s clear that parents in Nigeria—and beyond—are eager for more platforms like this. As the event wrapped up, attendees left with new insights, renewed confidence and a community ready to cheer them on through every milestone of parenting.
For those who missed it, one thing is certain: The Baby Convention is beyond an annual event; it’s a movement redefining parenting in modern Nigeria. Our advice to you? Be on the lookout for the next edition.
